Residents and community activists got together in Tenleytown on October 7 to socialize and talk about opportunities to build more sustainable inclusive and walkable neighborhoods, especially in Ward 3.
We got together like-minded people and learn about the upcoming rezonings proposed for Wisconsin Avenue, Connecticut Avenue, alley lots, and the future of the Comprehensive Plan DC 2050. We talked about how we need to testify! to ensure these plans deliver on the promise of new housing opportunities in this desirable place to live!
Learn more about upcoming DC Zoning Commission cases for Wisconsin Avenue, and Woodley & Cleveland Park. We need you to testify! You can do it! It’s all virtual.
On September 29, 2025 we discussed the potential of the Bowie State University MARC station area to be a vibrant transit-oriented community.
We were grateful for the diverse mix of elected and government officials, community members, and Bowie State University staff who attended the event. We were thrilled that the entire District 23 Delegation – Sen. Ron Watson, Del. Adrian Boafo, Del. Kym Taylor, and Del. Marvin Holmes attended. Also joining us was District 22 Del. Nicole Williams and County Council Member Ingrid Turner. We also welcomed a number of County Executive Braveboy administration officials, including Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Iris Boswell and Planning Board Chair Darryl Barnes.
We appreciated the comments from the joint development partnership:
David Zaidain, Maryland Department of Transportation
Dr. Aminta Breaux, Bowie State University
Judy Danso, Prince George’s County Revenue Authority
Scott Gottbreht, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
We especially want to thank President Dr. Breaux and the many Bowie State University staff who hosted us and helped imagine the opportunities and benefits of a vibrant, walkable mix of homes and businesses connected to the University. We have attached the tour handout and here is the link to MDOT’s request for proposals from MDOT.
Celebrate community and smart growth at Smart Growth Social on Oct 30 at 6:30 pm, Eastern Market. Connect with activists, public servants, and urbanists and hear from Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins.
Thank you to all who could join us for our recent screening of the powerful Fault Lines film at the Angelika Film Center in Fairfax. Whether you were with us in the theater or couldn’t make it this time, we are grateful to have you as part of this growing conversation about housing affordability, livable communities, and the future of our region.
The evening began with Fault Lines, a documentary that brings to life the human stories behind the Bay Area’s housing crisis. Following the screening, our panel of regional leaders reflected on the challenges and opportunities closer to home for addressing our own serious housing affordability challenges.
Fairfax Chairman Jeff McKay stated, “We are not talking about the number of units. We are talking about humans here. We are talking about kids, we are talking about parents, we are talking about hardworking people, people with disabilities […] We need to humanize it as much as we can.”
Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi emphasized that housing should be a central issue for communities that value the environment, health, equity, small businesses, and overall economic vitality of the region.
Key takeaways from the discussion:
Increasing and diversifying housing supply, including market-rate housing, is crucial.
Increasing the state housing trust fund, which today is only about $80 million per year.
Local and state collaboration is key to advancing housing solutions. State- and local-level regulations and processes need to be streamlined and predictable.
Community engagement is important and needs to be done in a productive and results-oriented way.
Thank you to our elected officials who sponsored and participated in this event, Senator Salim and Delegates Simon and Seibold, Fairfax Chair McKay and Supervisors Palchik and Alcorn, Mayor Hardi and Mayor Read! Thank you also to Carmen Romero of True Ground Housing, Keith Waters of GMU, and McLean Quinn of EYA for joining our panel discussion.
Lots of work ahead, but we know it can be done. Your voices and your energy are exactly what we need to continue advancing livable communities in our region.
Here are more ways to get involved:
Follow CSG’s updates for your local upcoming site tours and public engagement opportunities, including hearings where you can join CSG in supporting local mixed-use, housing developments.
Reach out to your elected officials, both state and local, in support of policies that will provide more housing options and greater affordability.
Join CSG supporters on Thursday, October 30, at our annual Smart Growth Social to connect with fellow activists and be inspired! Our guest speaker this year is Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins. RSVP now.
A screening of Fault Lines, a documentary exploring housing and policy, followed by a panel of regional leaders and a community social hour. The panel will examine Northern Virginia’s housing challenges and explore strategies to build more inclusive and livable communities in our region.
Why it matters:
Housing affordability remains a pressing issue across the region. This event brings together elected officials, advocates, and community leaders for an important discussion focused on finding solutions.
Program: Sunday, September 7
3:00 Doors Open 3:20 Opening Remarks 3:30 Film Screening 4:50 Panel Start 5:55 Happy Hour at Kirby Club 7:00 Event End
Where:Angelika Film Center at Mosaic District near Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro
Important note: SOLD OUT. Members of the press are encouraged to contact Elena Sorokina at elena@smartergrowth.net to reserve press seating.
Opportunities to stay engaged and connected:
As we prepare for the upcoming General Assembly in Richmond, we are looking forward to supporting win-win state legislation that promotes housing development and connects communities.
The Northern Virginia Regional Commission recently published a migration report highlighting the need for middle-income and first-time homebuyer housing. This symposium provides an opportunity for regional leaders, planners, and advocates to work together to find housing solutions that promote an economically resilient community.
RELI Webinar: Housing: Is NOVA on the Road to Meeting our Region’s Housing Needs? – Oct. 10(Register today)
RELI serves to connect and inform Northern Virginia’s regional leaders from both the public and private sectors. This webinar will explore the NoVA’s progress (and lack thereof) towards meeting the region’s housing needs.
New polling shows that housing is the #1 concern of Virginia voters. Join fellow advocates on Oct 19 in Herndon from 3:30pm-5pm for an assembly with elected leaders to demonstrate widespread support for housing reforms.
The event has the generous support of our diverse partners and sponsors, including elected officials, non-profits organizations, and business:
Senator Saddam Salim, Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read, Delegate Holly Seibold
Greater Greater Washington, True Ground Housing Partners, Falls Church Forward, VOICE, YIMBYs of Northern Virginia, Sierra Club – Potomac River Group, Urban Land Institute – Washington, Wesley Housing
EYA, Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, Northern Virginia Association of Realtors
Contact:
Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director stewart@smartergrowth.net
Elena Sorokina, Communications Director elena@smartergrowth.net
We invite you to an exclusive screening of the groundbreaking documentary, “Fault Lines,” followed by an expert panel discussion with regional leaders and a social hour to continue the conversation.
On June 5, 2025, an all-star panel discussed county efforts to create more walkable, bikeable, transit-accessible communities with new county and state plans.
Speakers: Prince George’s County Planning Director Lakisha Hull; Carm Saimbre, Maryland State Highway Administration; Prince George’s District 3 County Council Member Eric Olson; and chair of TIEE; Veronica O. Davis, national transportation expert, and author of Inclusive Transportation; moderator: Bernard Holloway, RISE Prince George’s.
The discussion featured Go Prince George’s, a new draft master plan for transportation in the county. This plan implements the newly adopted Urban Street Design Standards for activity and transit centers, and shifts focus to transforming the county’s transportation network by creating more travel options, focusing on the movement of people versus solely the movement of vehicles. A joint hearing by the County Council and Planning Board will be convened in fall 2025. Residents and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide comments on the draft.
The June 5 discussion also included progress by the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) to elevate its focus on addressing pedestrian and bicycle safety. Documents about the Complete Streets policy, statewide progress on implementation of the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, and other safety plans can be found here.
Prince George’s new draft Transit Vision Plan is also open for review. To learn more click here.
On May 22, 2025, RISE Prince George’s and CSG hosted a discussion on the county draft Transit Vision Plan (TVP), which seeks to create a more vibrant and connected county for all. The Transit Vision Plan is a five-year strategic framework for improving the county’s public transportation, developed through extensive public input. The county is seeking input from the public – go to an upcoming public meeting and check out the website.
Event materials – click here to view the presentation and video recording.
